Course Overview

From the Crusades to the Cold War and from Renaissance to Russian Revolutionaries, discover history in all its variety at Swansea University. Our staff are especially strong in the history of political thought, welfare and conflict, maritime and imperial history, gender and sexuality, religious history, science and medicine, and travel and migration. History recently achieved an excellent overall satisfaction rating of 94% in the National Student Survey (NSS).

In order to structure an academically coherent and intellectually rigorous programme, the degree is built around compulsory and optional modules. (Have a look at our module booklet for full information on modules).

The programme is delivered through lectures, tutorials and seminars. You will usually receive nine hours minimum scheduled contact time with your teachers every week. Every degree involves choices, options will be available and if first choices are not secured then the alternative will be as good. Full attendance at lectures, seminars and personal tutorials (personal tutorials are obligatory). All Arts and Humanities programmes include independent learning which requires initiative and hard work.

We will challenge you with demanding teaching and assessment. Assessment includes essay, coursework and examination, presentations and a dissertation.

Year 2 (Level 5)

FHEQ 5 Degree / HEDip

Compulsory Modules

Optional Modules

Group A

Choose Minimum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students must take at least one module from Group A and one module from Group B and one module from Group C over the course of the year. Students must select 60 credits in each teaching block. NOTE: Students may enrol on ONLY ONE Study Trip.

Group B

Choose Minimum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students must take at least one module from Group A and one module from Group B and one module from Group C over the course of the year. Students must select 60 credits in each teaching block. NOTE: Students may enrol on ONLY ONE Study Trip.

Group C

Choose Minimum Of 20 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students must take at least one module from Group A and one module from Group B and one module from Group C over the course of the year. Students must select 60 credits in each teaching block. NOTE: Students may enrol on ONLY ONE Study Trip.

Language Optional Modules

Choose Maximum Of 40 credits from the following Modules:

NOTE : Students may select EITHER 20 credites of Modern Languages from the list below that is ONE PAIR of 10 credit modules eg. MLA150 & MLA151 OR 40 credits of Latin or Greek Languages that is ONE PAIR of 20 credit modules e.g. CLL101 & CLL102

Our standard entry requirement is BBB (UCAS tariff points 120) or equivalent. All offers are made following a review of the application form, predicted/achieved grades and subjects, the reference and personal statement. We also accept a range of advanced level qualifications including: International Baccalaureate 32; Welsh Baccalaureate - grade equivalent to A-level; Access to Higher Education and Open University qualifications, and Extended Project.

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.
To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit the University's
scholarships and bursaries page.

Current students: You can find further information of your fee costs on our tuition fees page.

“I chose Swansea University because it is a campus based university where there are lots of student sports clubs and societies, it is easy to get around and meet people, and the social life on campus is great. The location of the University could not be better; the proximity of the campus to the beach, the vibrant city centre and the surrounding parkland is fantastic. I chose History at Swansea as the course offers a great variation of topics and the modules are really interesting. They stretch from the ancient empires of China and India, to the Second World War. The expertise of the lecturers is second to none. I had a great time, met lots of people and enjoyed student life at Swansea. I now work in Events Management.”

Alistair Kirk

“I graduated with a First-Class Honours History degree from Swansea University. My three years as an undergraduate here were truly the most enjoyable of my life so far! Looking back, the BA degree was everything I hoped it would be. The modules were all very interesting and highly enjoyable with a great range available. The lecturers, tutors and all members of the History department were also incredibly friendly and always willing help. This is why it didn't take me long to decide that Swansea was where I wanted to continue my studies. I am now studying towards an MA in Early Modern History with the hope of continuing on to a PhD.”

The Research Institute for Arts and Humanities (RIAH) brings together academics, postgraduates and visiting national and international scholars to create a rich and vibrant research environment geared to international excellence and impact.

93.6 per cent* of History Single and Joint Honours Graduates from Swansea University are in work and/or further study six months after graduation.

Graduating with an internationally recognised degree in History will put you in a great position to succeed in a wide range of careers. You will gain excellent oral and writing skills and you will learn to present your ideas in a range of formats. You will also develop strong research and analytical skills and the ability to problem solve and make informed decisions. Our programmes include various forms of assessment, teamwork through seminars, tutorials and group presentations and an independent study - dissertation module. You will learn to manage your time and workload effectively. All of these skills will ensure you can compete very successfully in the employment market.

Our students have progressed to a broad range of work sectors including education, recruitment, marketing, management, and heritage, working for companies such as:

Mercedes Benz

English Heritage

St Fagans National History Museum

Other recent graduates have progressed to postgraduate courses in:

MA Modern History

MA History

MA Early Modern History

MA Communication, Media Practice and PR

*First–degree Swansea University graduates of History. HESA Performance Indicator sourced from the DLHE survey 2013/14.